Compact modular inhaler, vaporizer for wearable multifunctional watch

ABSTRACT

A compact wearable modular multifunctional inhalation device of the present invention. In the illustrative embodiment, the device includes a housing with at least one port; a removable cartridge module adapted to seat within the housing, the cartridge including: a source of inhalant mounted within the cartridge for providing inhalant into the port and a heating element mounted within the cartridge for heating the inhalant; a removable modular electronic circuit adapted to seat within the housing to provide electrical current to the heating element; and a mechanism coupled to the housing for wearing the device. The electronic circuit may include a processor and memory. A removable modular electronic display is adapted to seat within the housing and connect electrically with the circuit. Software is stored in the memory for execution by the processor for activating the heating element. The software includes code for monitoring the status of the inhalant and/or the source of electrical potential. A switch, activated by air flow, is included for activating the heating element.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/264,508 filed Sep. 13, 2016 by P. D. Klurfeld (Atty. Docket No.Klurfeld-1), the teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to health-related devices. Morespecifically, this invention relates to inhalers and vaporizers.

Description of the Related Art

An inhaler is a device used for delivering medication via inhalation.Inhalers typically use a compressed-gas propellant to deliver a metereddose of medicine. When the inhaler is activated, a fixed amount of themedicine is suspended in the propellant and is expelled from themouthpiece of the inhaler. Vaporizers are devices used to turn activeingredients of plant material and/or other herbs or blends, chemicalmixtures i.e. salt solutions or other synthetic compounds to vapor forthe purpose of inhalation. An atomizer is a device, typicallyelectrically connected to a heating element, for emitting water,perfume, or other liquids as a fine spray or vapor.

A need existed in the art for a compact inhaler, vaporizer or atomizer Acompact implementation of an inhaler, vaporizer or atomizer would allowfor the device to be worn on the body thereby making it available to apatient or user for medical emergencies or simple convenience.

The need in the art was addressed by U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/264,508 entitled Wearable Multifunctional Inhaler, Vaporizer Watchfiled Sep. 13, 2016 by P. D Klurfeld, the teachings of which areincorporated herein by reference. This application disclosed and claimeda novel wearable multifunctional inhaler and vaporizer incorporated intoa watch.

However, a need remains in the art for a more compact, versatile andcost effective multifunctional inhaler vaporizer design andconstruction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The need in the art is addressed by the compact wearable modularmultifunctional inhalation device of the present invention. In theillustrative embodiment, the device includes a housing with at least oneport; a removable cartridge module adapted to seat within the housing,the cartridge including: a source of inhalant mounted within thecartridge for providing inhalant into the port and a heating elementmounted within the cartridge for heating the inhalant; a removablemodular electronic circuit adapted to seat within the housing to provideelectrical current to the heating element; and a mechanism coupled tothe housing for wearing the device.

The electronic circuit may include a processor and memory. A removablemodular electronic display is adapted to seat within the housing andconnect electrically with the circuit. Software is stored in the memoryfor execution by the processor for activating the heating element. Thesoftware includes code for monitoring the status of the inhalant and/orthe source of electrical potential. A switch, activated by air flow, isincluded for activating the heating element. The software also includescode for providing telemetry for general measurement of vaporizerbehavior including but not limited to usage analytics, cartridge and/orbattery life, vaporizer heat measurements, and delivery of data to thirdparty health services.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fully assembled vape watch implementedin accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vape watch of FIG. 1showing a watch housing with snap legs that slide into recesses and snapunder the underside of cartridge holder.

FIG. 3 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the vape watch ofFIG. 1 showing the vape cartridge removed from the cartridge housing.

FIG. 3A is a perspective fragmented view of an alternative embodiment ofthe vape watch of FIG. 1 showing a first alternative mouthpiece adaptedfor insertion into an aperture thereof with an optional O-ring seal.

FIG. 3B is a perspective fragmented view of an alternative embodiment ofthe vape watch of FIG. 1 showing a second alternative mouthpiece adaptedfor insertion into an aperture thereof.

FIG. 4 is a perspective disassembled view of the cartridge assembly ofthe vape watch of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 4 with thecover removed to reveal the coil, wick and expansion chamber thereof.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 6A with thepipe between the vaporizing chamber and the expansion chamber removedand replaced with a screen.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the interior chamber of the cartridgehousing of the vape watch of FIG. 1 with the top removed to show PCboard assembly air switch and electric pin connectors.

FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of the vape cartridge of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the vape watch of FIG. 1 showing analternative digital watch embodiment.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are exploded views of an alternative embodiment of thevape watch of FIG. 1 designed to accommodate a watch module that isinserted vertically into the housing and then horizontally into thehousing respectively.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective and elevated views respectively showingan alternative embodiment of the invention without a watch to provide awrist wearable vaporizer device in accordance with the presentteachings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments and exemplary applications will now bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings to disclose theadvantageous teachings of the present invention.

While the present invention is described herein with reference toillustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should beunderstood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those havingordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided hereinwill recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodimentswithin the scope thereof and additional fields in which the presentinvention would be of significant utility.

Construction

An illustrative watch embodiment of a compact wearable inhaler,vaporizer and/or atomizer of the present invention is shown in FIGS.1-11.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fully assembled vape watch assembly 10implemented in accordance with the present teachings. As shown in thefigure, the vape watch assembly 10 includes a watch module 18 a mountedwithin a watch housing or frame 16. In the best mode, the housing ismetallic or plastic in construction. However, the invention is notlimited thereto. That is, other materials may be used without departingfrom the scope of the present teachings.

The vape watch assembly and housing are dimensioned to fit on a wrist ofa user. Accordingly, in the best mode, the approximate externaldimensions are 38 to 51 mm in length, 25-44 mm in width and 8 to 16 mmin depth.

The housing 16 allows for interchangeable watches to be integrated:smart, LCD, digital, or analogue. As discussed below, the smart watchassembly 10 is adapted to communicate with a vape circuit and an app viaBluetooth or direct connection with the ability to transmit relevantdata to a receiving application. The frame 16 couples to a watch band orwrist band 12 via pins 14.

The assembly 10 includes a vape cartridge 20 secured in a cartridgehousing 24. The cartridge 20 may be implemented in accordance with theteachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,549,573 entitled Vaporization DeviceSystems and Methods issued Jan. 24, 2017 to James Monsees et al., theteachings of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, withcertain modifications for the present application. The cartridge 20 maybe of custom design as disclosed and claimed in copending patentapplication Ser. No. 15/264,508 or an off-the-shelf unit purchased fromcompanies such as Juul (www.juul.com).

In the illustrative embodiment, the cartridge housing 24 has air intakeholes 26. A mouthpiece 22 is located on one corner of the watch housing16. In the illustrative embodiment, the mouthpiece 22 is made ofsilicone or other suitable material. An LED lens 28 is provided on thewatch housing 16 to convey illumination from an LED 38 (FIG. 3), viaaperture 34, when a user puts his or her mouth on mouthpiece 22 andinhales.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vape watch assembly 10 ofFIG. 1 with the band 12 thereof removed. FIG. 2 shows snap legs 30extending from the housing 16. The legs 30 slide through recesses 32 ofthe cartridge housing 24 and snap under the underside thereof. The legs30 ensure that the watch module 18 a is sandwiched between the topsurface of the cartridge housing 24 and the underside of watch housing16. A stem 9 is provided to set the watch 18 a.

FIG. 3 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the vape watch ofFIG. 1 showing the vape cartridge assembly 20 removed from the cartridgehousing 24. In

FIG. 3, the mouthpiece 22 is removed from cartridge housing 24 to reveala lower neck 110 that seats in an aperture 112 in the cartridge housing24. The aperture 112 can be configured to receive mouthpiece 22 of anysuitable design and construction.

FIG. 3A is a perspective fragmented view of an alternative embodiment ofthe vape watch 10 of FIG. 1 with a first alternate mouthpiece 22 aadapted for insertion into aperture 112 thereof with an optional O-ringseal 108. The original mouthpiece has a triangular shape to match thecorner of the watch housing 16, however, a cylindrical mouthpiece 22 amay be more comfortable for some users. The mouth pieces 22, 22 a areremovable and replaceable so that multiple people may use the device 10and each may have their own mouthpiece for sanitary purposes. The mouthpieces include snap in closing mechanisms and may be all metal, allplastic, all rubber or metal with rubber sleeve or rubber O-ring for thebottom of mouth piece.

FIG. 3B is a perspective fragmented view of an alternative embodiment ofthe vape watch of FIG. 1 showing a second alternate mouthpiece adaptedfor insertion into an aperture thereof and lock the cartridge 20 intothe housing 16.

FIG. 4 is a perspective disassembled view of the cartridge assembly 20of the vape watch 10 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, thevape cartridge assembly 20 has an inner (lower) section 40 and an outer(upper) section 41 that slide together and interlock in the manner shownin FIG. 4. The inner and outer housing sections 40 and 41 respectivelyengage via relative linear translation and are secured in an airtightengagement thereafter by locking tabs 72 (on the cartridge 40) anddetent recesses 74 on outer housing section 41. Electrical contacts 42 aand 42 b engage contacts 43 a and 43 b respectively as disclosed morefully below in FIG. 7. An air inlet hole 84 is provided in the innersection 40 to allow for air to enter a vaporizing chamber 81 shown inFIG. 5 and engage an air switch 66 through O-ring 88.

FIG. 5 is a perspective disassembled view of the cartridge assembly 20with the cover removed to reveal the coil, wick and expansion chamberthereof. As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge housing 24 includes areceiving aperture 112 for the mouthpiece 22. In FIG. 5, the expansionchamber 70 is shown in fluid communication with the aperture 112. Theexpansion chamber 70 is in fluid communication with the vaporizingchamber 81 via a pipe 86 held in place by a wall 78 relative to a coil80 and wick 82. Hence, when suction is applied to the mouthpiece 22(FIGS. 1-3), air is drawn into the vaporizing chamber 81 via theaperture 84.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecartridge shown in FIG. 5 with the pipe between the vaporizing chamberand the expansion chamber removed and replaced with a screen 106. Inthis embodiment, the wick 82 is replaced with a quartz rod 102 andtobacco 120 is placed in the chamber 104.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the interior chamber of the cartridgehousing 24 of the vape watch assembly 10 of FIG. 1 with the top removedto show PC board assembly 50. As shown in FIG. 7, the vape cartridgeassembly 20 slides into a channel 37 and is retained by the vapercartridge housing 24.

The PC board assembly 50 includes a micro USB socket 52, microprocessor54 for regulating charging and vape activation, memory 56 andWIFI/Bluetooth transceiver 58 mounted all on a PC board 60. Arechargeable battery 62 is stored under PC board 60 and rechargedthrough the USB port 52.

First and second electrical contacts 43 a and 43 b are electricallycoupled to the bus (not shown) of the PC board and engage matingcontacts 42 a and 42 b on the vape cartridge assembly 20 shown in FIGS.3-6. Contacts 42 a and 42 b are connected to the internal heating coiland facilitate electrical connection and control via the microprocessor54 as discussed more fully below.

FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of the vape cartridge of FIG. 5. Asshown in FIG. 8, an air flow sensor 90 is mounted within an air inletchamber 66 in fluid communication with aperture 84 (FIG. 5) via a pipe85 surrounded by an O-ring seal 88. Air drawn in through vent holes 26move vapors coming off wick 78 in response to heat from coil 80 toexpansion chamber 70 via pipe 86. The vapor is collected in theexpansion chamber 70 before inhalation by the user via the mouthpiece22.

The air sensor also activates a hit counter and timer provided by themicroprocessor 54 which regulates numerous functions relating to thedosage of vapor applied to user including the duration and intensity ofthe activation of the coil and volume of the vapor released. Inaddition, the microprocessor keeps track of the amount of fluid storedin chamber 76 and how much is left in the cartridge and displays thisand other relevant information to the user such as measurements ofamount consumed, battery life, how many hits were taken and frequency ofconsumption many metrics via the display in the smartwatch embodimentdisclosed herein.

Methods of inserting oil into the cartridge 20 and for attaching an endpiece that includes a heating coil and air flow sensor are currentlyknown and in the public domain.

Aperture 64 on cartridge housing 24 allows light from LED 38, as shownin FIG. 5, to exit and to travel through light pipe 64 as shown in FIG.15 so that it can be visible through slot 7. The LED 38 is activated byan air flow sensor switch 90, as will be explained below, so the usercan have a visual confirmation that the device 10 is working properly.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the vape watch of FIG. 1 showing analternative digital watch embodiment 18 b. An electrical connector 64 isattached to the PC board 60. As shown in FIG. 9, the connector 64protrudes through the top cover 36 of cartridge holder 24 and connectmating contacts under the base of a smart watch module 18 b. This allowsthe watch 18 b to be able to be controlled by a phone app adapted toprogram a watch face display. FIGS. 9A and 9B are exploded views of analternative embodiment of the vape watch of FIG. 1 designed toaccommodate a watch module that is inserted vertically into the housingand then horizontally into the housing. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A,the vape watch is inserted vertically into the housing 116 and together,these elements are linearly translated (orthogonal or horizontalrelative to the motion of the module 18 a into the housing 116) intochannel 37 of the outer border of the modified slide in adapter 114 asshown in FIG. 9B.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective and elevated views respectively showingan alternative embodiment of the invention without a watch to provide awrist wearable vaporizer device in accordance with the presentteachings.

Operation

Initially, firmware is stored in memory 56 for execution by processor 54to provide operational control for the device 10 and enable user inputand output via the transceiver 58 with respect to user preferences. Thecartridge 20 loaded with fluid is inserted and the device 10 is thenassembled as discussed above. After assembly, the user can draw on amouthpiece 22, 22 a, or 22 b to inhale vapor, smoke, or medication.

The user will have visibility of a display light that shines through thecorner of the device when in use. The user will be able to remove andchange the battery, PC board, the wireless transceiver, cartridge,electrical connector, mouth piece, bezel, various types of watches, andscreens from the device. The watch or screen can slide on and off or belocked into place via a bezel/lock hybrid.

In the illustrative embodiment, the device is coupled to a wristbandenabling it to be worn as a watch. However, the device may also beremoved and worn as armband, anklet, bracelet, belt or necklace orcarried in a pocket, purse or pouch. The mounting arrangement(s), e.g.wristband, bracelet, belts, etc., can provide additional battery andinhalant storage compartments. Thus, the present teachings are notlimited to a watch implementation. The compact, novel, modular designcould also be implemented in other objects or devices without departingfrom the scope of the present teachings.

The device may be used to vaporize solid as well as liquid organic andinorganic herbs, chemicals, compounds and medicines. A breath freshenermay be used in place of the inhalant. The device may be used as a pipeto burn tobacco and/or other plants. The smartwatch may be replaced witha simple plastic or glass lid and it may be tinted or transparent. Thedevice may be worn upside down and used to read a user's pulse. With thesmartwatch, the device could be used as a thermometer and could be solarpowered via a solar cell mounted on the lid or on the wristband orwatchband. A heating coil (not shown) is located within cartridge 20which holds oil or other compounds such as nicotine or flavoringliquids.

As is well known in the art, the smartwatch is an electronic circuitwith a processor, a memory fixed in a tangible medium, a wirelesstransceiver and a touchscreen display. Software for implementing avariety of functions is provided in either the smartwatch, or theassociated smart phone or other computer to which it is coupled via awireless connection. Those functions include by way of example trackingand displaying the status of the device, scheduling medication use,monitoring and displaying the level of inhalant remaining via a sensorand LED (not shown) mounted in the housing and electrically coupled tothe smartwatch or an integrated rear camera, activation of the heatingelement and/or displaying the status of same, sending a notification toa friend or family member that the emergency dose of inhalant has beenused, etc. The software provides data to an associated healthapplication on a user's smart phone. When the heating element isactivated, the display on the device is programmed to change to show aflame or other symbol or image to indicate that the heating element isactivated.

In short, an application is included that is adapted to run on asmartphone to allow a user to control the watch via the microprocessor54 and the wireless transceiver 58. In addition, the app allows the userto select, gather, use, and apply numerous metrics (alarms, tracking,limitation setting, etc.) of the individual user's consumption of thedispensed fluid, oil, medication, or particle. The app will also allowthe user to receive notifications of the level of liquid in thecartridge 20 and the number of inhalations remaining before replacementis needed.

Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the presentteachings will recognize additional modifications, applications andembodiments within the scope thereof. For example, the invention is notlimited to the size, shape, number or location of the input or outputports used in connection with the device.

It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and allsuch applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of thepresent invention.

1. A compact wearable modular multifunctional inhalation device comprising: a housing; a removable cartridge module adapted to seat within the housing, the cartridge module including: a chamber mounted within the cartridge module for storing a source of inhalant, an aperture operationally coupled to the chamber and adapted to be accessible externally when the inhalation device is fully assembled and a heating element mounted within the cartridge module for heating the inhalant; a removable modular electronic circuit adapted to seat within the housing to provide electrical current to the heating element; and a mechanism coupled to the housing for wearing the device, whereby, when the device is assembled, inhalant may be drawn from the chamber in the cartridge module through the aperture by inhalation.
 2. The device of claim 1 further including a removable modular electronic display adapted to seat within the housing.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the electronic circuit includes a processor and memory.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the memory includes software for execution by the processor.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein the software includes code for activating the heating element and displaying the status of the heating element.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein the software includes code for monitoring the status of the inhalant and/or a source of electrical potential.
 7. The device of claim 3 further including a transceiver.
 8. The device of claim 7 further including an application adapted to run on a mobile communications and computing platform for communicating with said inhalation device via said transceiver and said processor.
 9. The device of claim 1 further including a switch for activating the heating element.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the switch is activated by air flow.
 11. The device of claim 1 wherein the mechanism for wearing the device is a wristband.
 12. The device of claim 1 wherein the source of inhalant includes a fluid reservoir.
 13. The device of claim 12 wherein the device includes a wick having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being in fluid communication with fluid in the fluid reservoir.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The device of claim 1 further including a mouthpiece adapted to be mounted in the aperture in the cartridge.
 16. The device of claim 15 wherein the mouthpiece is located on one corner of the housing when the cartridge module is seated within the housing.
 17. The device of claim 15 wherein the mouthpiece is removable.
 18. The device of claim 15 wherein the mouthpiece is replaceable. 